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Releasing her debut album later this year, prolific BMI artist VK Lynne has revealed the first glimpses into “The Spider Queen”. This album promises to get down into the heart of it all, breaking down boundaries that genres tend to sometimes create, all the while putting the art of her heart on full display.
Of the album and the first single “The Different,” VK states –
“When I decided to make this record ‘The Spider Queen,’ I had a message and a mission, and I knew I needed an open-minded producer. I reached out to my friend, Lindsay Schoolcraft, and told her what I wanted to do…she told me I needed to meet Cody.
Cody Johnstone is a Canadian musician/producer/awesome bread maker who immediately was on board with my idea for “blues metal.” It’s an amalgam of the blues-based rock of my early solo efforts and symphonic metal, a category that has never fit my sound EXACTLY, but a community that has always supported me, afforded me opportunities, and shown up for me. I wanted to create something that was lyrically and vocally meaningful, while also cleverly orchestrated and gritty.
On a thematic level, ‘The Spider Queen’ reflects who I am now, an adult woman whose ideals and goals are different than they were at 25. I’m deeply invested in making music that is truthful and artistically satisfying, rather than trendy or “marketable.” And I am committed to stamping out the notion of ‘competition’ between musicians, particularly young women. Competition is the enemy of art, and right now, we need ART.
When I was pondering all of this, a song by Melissa Etheridge kept playing in my mind. It’s a song in which I always felt she was toying with the edges of hard rock/metal, and the lyrics could not be more in line with where I am as an artist.
So, even though it seemed counterintuitive, we decided to kick off The Spider Queen with cover- a “blues metal” version of that song, ‘The Different.’ I contacted my friend Danny B, a metal musician and engineer who could mix front of house sound in a port-o-potty and make it sound like an arena, and hired him to master it.
‘The Different’….a theme indeed. After listening to some excellent PR advice, I decided to try something new with the video clip for this song. Why not, instead of making a standard, traditional full-screen piece that will only be visually complete on YouTube (forcing me to drive traffic to it with a link), make a piece that is explicitly intended for the vertical apps, TikTok, Instagram reels, and YouTube reels? Sure, it’s unconventional, but isn’t that the point?”
VK’s rendition of “The Different” transcends the boundaries of a mere cover; it’s a transformative interpretation that breathes new vitality into Melissa Etheridge’s classic. With VK’s iconic, edgy, blues-tinged rock vocals leading the way, the song takes on a distinctive character, infusing it with a raw and soulful energy.
The instrumental arrangements play a pivotal role in this musical metamorphosis. Their modern, edgy, and almost ethereal quality elevates the track, creating a sonic landscape that resonates with contemporary sensibilities. The infusion of innovative elements provides a fresh perspective, making the song not only a nod to the past but a statement in the present.
This fusion of VK’s powerful vocals and the avant-garde instrumentals doesn’t just cater to a specific audience; it extends its appeal across musical genres. Modern music enthusiasts find solace in its edgy allure, while those with a penchant for diverse styles discover a harmonious convergence that makes “The Different” a universal listening experience.
VK Lynne’s interpretation of “The Different” mirrors the transformative impact Evanescence had on Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” Just as Evanescence breathed new life into the classic, VK Lynne injects her own unique style and energy into “The Different,” creating a rendition that transcends mere homage. With a similar ability to capture the essence of the original while infusing it with a contemporary edge, VK Lynne, like Evanescence, elevates the song to new heights, making it a standout and distinctive musical experience.
Check out the YouTube video shorts below!
Ethereal Metal 
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